Ford has announced plans for further job cuts across its European operations, including Germany, Spain, and the UK. The exact number of positions to be eliminated in Germany remains unclear, but the decision is expected by the end of June, according to Benjamin Gruschka, head of the works council at Ford's Cologne plant.
This latest round of cuts follows previous restructuring efforts, including a plan announced last year to reduce 3,800 jobs in Europe as the company shifts its focus to electric vehicle (EV) production. Ford has already completed half of its planned 2,300 job cuts in Germany, reducing its workforce in the country to 13,000.
The company stated that the move is necessary to become "leaner and more efficient" as it adapts to the changing automotive landscape, marked by a shift towards electric vehicles and increased competition. However, the repeated restructuring programs and job cuts have raised concerns among employees and industry observers about the company's future in the region.
In addition to the job cuts in Germany, Ford recently announced plans to cut up to 1,600 additional jobs at its assembly plant in Valencia, Spain. The company has also decided to halt production at its Saarlouis site in Germany by the end of 2025.
Despite these challenges, Ford has continued to invest in its Cologne location, which serves as its European headquarters and a key production hub. The company recently launched its first mass-market electric vehicle, the Ford Explorer, in Cologne, and a second model is expected to follow this year.
